Organic tricyclic compounds

ABSTRACT

Novel 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracenes of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is C 1  -C 4  alkylene or C 3  -C 4  alkenylene and R 1  and R 2  are each hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, C 3  -C 4  alkenyl, C 3  -C 4  alkynyl, C 3  -C 6  cycloalkyl(C 1  -C 3 )alkyl, ar(C 1  -C 3 )alkyl or polyhalo(C 2  -C 4 )alkyl or, when taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, they may form a 5 to 7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring which may contain an additional hetero atom, and their non-toxic salts, which are useful as anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, major tranquilizer, anti-histamine and anti-allergy drugs and can be prepared through a novel key intermediate, i.e., 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, by various methods.

The present invention relates to novel organic tricyclic compounds andtheir production and use. More particularly, it relates to9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methoanoanthracene derivatives andnon-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to a pharmaceuticalcomposition containing at least one of the9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives and theirnon-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts as an active ingredient, toa process for preparing the9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives and theirsalts, and to a use of the9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives and theirsalts. It also relates to 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene,which is a key intermediate for production of the9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives, and to aprocess for its production.

The 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene skeleton itself has been knownsince 1920, and a few chemical studies have been done on9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives, but no report hasappeared either on the synthesis of9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives or onpharmacological studies on 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenederivatives.

It has now been found that novel9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives of thefollowing formula [I] and their non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptablesalts characteristically have various pharmaceutical properties:##STR2## wherein A is C₁ -C₄ alkylene or C₃ -C₄ alkenylene and R₁ and R₂are each hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl, C₃ -C₄ alkynyl, C₃ -C₆cycloalkyl(C₁ -C₃)alkyl, ar(C₁ -C₃)alkyl or polyhalo(C₂ -C₄)alkyl or,when taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, they represent a 5to 7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring which may contain anadditional hetero atom.

In the above significances, the term "C₁ -C₄ alkylene" means a straightor branched alkylene group having one to four carbon atoms (e.g.methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, 1-methylethylene,1-methylpropylene, 2-methylpropylene). The term "C₃ -C₄ alkenylene"includes specifically 1-propenylene, 1-butenylene, 2-butenylene,1-methyl-1-propenylene and 2-methyl-1-propenylene, of which thenumberings are started from the carbon atom linked to the9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene skeleton. The term "C₁ -C₄ alkyl"means a straight or branched alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms(e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec.-butyl,isobutyl). The term "C₃ -C₄ alkenyl" means a straight or branchedalkenyl group having three or four carbon atoms such as propenyl orbutenyl. The term "C₃ -C₄ alkynyl" means a straight or branched alkynylgroup having three or four carbon atoms such as propargyl. The term "C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl(C₁ -C₃)alkyl" means a straight or branched alkyl grouphaving one to three carbon atoms and bearing a cycloalkyl groupconsisting of three to six carbon atoms; for example, cyclopropylmethyland cyclobutylmethyl. The term "ar(C₁ -C₃)alkyl" means a straight orbranched alkyl group having one to three carbon atoms (e.g. methyl,ethyl, propyl) and bearing an aryl group (e.g. phenyl). The term"polyhalo(C₂ -C₄)alkyl" means a straight or branched alkyl group havingtwo to four carbon atoms and bearing two or more halogen atoms; forexample, trifluoroethyl, trichloroethyl and trifluoropropyl. As the 5 to7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, there are exemplifiedpyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino and thiomorpholino.

The non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] mayinclude organic and inorganic acid-addition salts thereof, for example,hydrochloride, hydrobromide, acetate, oxalate, citrate, tartrate,succinate, fumarate and lactate.

The 9-aminoalkyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives(hereinafter referred to as "9-aminoalkylmethanoanthracene derivatives")[I] are characterized by the aminoalkyl side chain present at the9-position of the 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene skeleton.

Although many dibenzotricyclic compounds have been known and some ofthem are now used clinically as medicines, especially as psychotropicdrugs, any dibenzotricyclic compound having a9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene ring as the dibenzotricyclicskeleton has not been employed for such purpose. The entry to the9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] could be achieved by thesuccess in synthesizing the key intermediate:9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene of the formula: ##STR3##

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] are novel andcharacteristically exhibit a wide variety of valuable pharmacologicalactivities, especially on the central nervous system and autonomicnervous system. More particularly, the 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracenederivatives [I] wherein A is methylene which may be substituted withalkyl having one to three carbon atoms, show potentiating action ofhexabarbital anesthesia, hypothermia, ptosis and muscle relaxantactivity and also anti-tetrabenazine activity. Thus, they are useful asanti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressant drugs and also as majortranquilizers.

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] wherein A is ethylenewhich may be substituted with alkyl having one or two carbon atoms showpotent anti-histamine, anti-collinergic and anti-serotonin activities.They also show anti-tetrabenazine activity. Thus, they are useful asanti-histamine drugs and anti-allergy drugs.

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] wherein A representsC₃ -C₄ alkylene or C₃ -C₄ alkenylene show potent anti-tetrabenazineactivity. They also show norepinephrine-potentiating action, andanti-reserpine, anti-histamine, anti-collinergic and anti-serotoninactivities. Further, their acute toxicity and acute cardio-toxicity havebeen found to be weak. Thus, they are useful as anti-depressants andanti-histamine drugs.

In any case, the 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives of theformula [I] all possess anti-tetrabenazine, anti-collinergic,anti-histamine, anti-serotonin and sedative activities in some degrees.

As an anti-anxiety drug, the compounds [I] wherein R₁ is C₁ -C₂ alkyl,R₂ is hyrogen or C₁ -C₂ alkyl and A is methylene are preferred. As ananti-histamine or antiallergy drug, the compounds [I] wherein R₁ is C₁-C₂ alkyl, R₂ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₂ alkyl and A is ethylene arepreferred. As an anti-depressant drug, the compounds [I] wherein A ispropylene or propenylene are preferred. Particularly preferred are thecompounds of the formula [I] wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independentlyhydrogen or C₁ -C₂ alkyl and A is propylene or propenylene. The mostpreferred are those wherein A is propylene, R₁ is hydrogen or methyl andR₂ is methyl.

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] and their non-toxicpharmaceutically acceptable salts can be administered orally orparenterally at a dosage of generally 5-500 mg/human body, preferably25-500 mg/human body (about 60 kg of body weight/day) in the form ofconventional pharmaceutical preparations.

For instance, they can be administered in the form of conventional solidpharmaceutical preparations (e.g. powders, granules, tablets, capsules)or in the form of conventional liquid pharmaceutical preparations (e.g.suspensions, emulsions, solutions). Such preparations can be prepared byincorporating the 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] ortheir non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts either alone or incombination with suitable adjuvants (e.g. starch, lactose, talc) in theconventional manner.

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene derivatives [I] can be produced from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene [II], practically throughits suitable derivative(s). Some typical examples of their productionmethods are shown below:

Method (a)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound of the formula: ##STR4##wherein R₁ and R₂ are each as defined above and A' is a direct linkage,C₁ -C₃ alkylene or C₂ -C₃ alkenylene can be prepared from thecorresponding compound of the formula: ##STR5## wherein A', R₁ and R₂are each as defined above, by reduction of the latter.

For the reduction, a reducing agent such as an alkali metal in analcoholic solvent, a metal hydride or the like can be preferablyemployed. An electrolytic reduction can also be used for the purpose.

It is especially preferable to use a metal hydride such as lithiumaluminum hydride, sodium aluminum diethyl dihydride and sodiumbis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride in an inert organic solvent such asethers (e.g. diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane,ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g. heptane,hexane, cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene) ormixtures thereof. The temperature for the treatment in this case may bevaried from ice-cooling to the refluxing temperature of the reductionsystem.

Sodium borohydride is another example of practically utilizable metalhydrides as the reducing agent, particularly when used in the presenceof a salt such as aluminum chloride or on activation of the carboxamidegroup in the compound [III] with triethyloxonium fluoroborate or thelike. Diborane is a further example of metal hydrides efficient as thereducing agent.

Method (b)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [I] can be also prepared byreacting the corresponding compound of the formula: ##STR6## wherein Ais as defined above and X is a conventional leaving group such ashalogen (e.g. chlorine, bromine, iodine) or sulfonyloxy (e.g.methanesulfonyloxy, p-toluenesulfonyloxy, trichloromethanesulfonyloxy)with an amine of the formula: ##STR7## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each asdefined above in the presence or absence of an inert solvent such asethers (e.g. diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane,ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol,isopropanol), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene),dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide or pyridine in the presence orabsence of a basic binding agent. Examples of the basic binding agentare amines (e.g. pyridine, picoline, triethylamine, dimethylaniline),metal hydrides (e.g. sodium hydride), metal alkoxides (e.g. sodiummethoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium t-butoxide), metal carbonates(e.g. sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate), metal bicarbonates (e.g.sodium bicarbonate), sodium amide, etc. The reaction temperature may bevaried from ice-cooling to the refluxing temperature of the reactionsystem in a closed or open system.

Method (c)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [Ia] can be prepared by thecondensation-reduction of the corresponding compound of the formula:##STR8## wherein A' is as defined above with the amine [V].

The condensation-reduction can be accomplished by known methods. Forinstance, the usual procedure of the Leuckart-Wallach reaction usingformic acid may be adopted [Organic Reactions, Vol. 5, p. 301, JohnWiley & Sons, Inc.]. That is, the compound [VI] is added to anamineformate of the amine [V] or a mixture of the amine [V] and formicacid, and the reaction is effected at a temperature from roomtemperature to 250° C. This reaction may also be carried out in thepresence of an inert solvent such as benzene, toluene, nitrobenzene,tetrahydrofuran or dioxane.

The condensation-reduction may be also performed by the hydrogenationprocedure of a mixture of the compound [VI] and the amine [V] over acatalyst such as Raney nickel, platinum oxide or palladium in thepresence or absence of an inert solvent. The pressure on hydrogenationmay be varied from atmospheric pressure to an elevated pressure. Acondensing agent such as sodium acetate can be used in the treatment.

Further, the condensation-reduction may be performed by using thesodium-alcohol or zinc acid or alkali method. An inert solvent such asalcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol), liquid ammonia, aceticacid or ethers (e.g. diethyl ether, dioxane, diisopropyl ether,tetrahydrofuran) is utilizable.

Furthermore, the condensation-reduction may be performed by thereduction of the Schiff base or enamine prepared from the compound [VI]and the amine [V] in a conventional procedure. The reduction may beperformed by the catalytic hydrogenation procedure as described above,or by using a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride, diborane,lithium aluminum hydride, sodium aluminum diethyl dihydride, sodiumborocyanohydride or sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride in aninert solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol,t-butanol, benzene, toluene, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, dioxaneor tetrahydrofuran. The temperature in this case may be varied from -10°C. to the refluxing temperature of the reduction system.

Method (d)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound of the formula: ##STR9##wherein A is as defined above, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄alkenyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl(C₁ -C₃)alkyl, ar(C₁ -C₃)alkyl or polyhalo(C₂-C₄)alkyl and R₄ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₃ alkyl, C₂ -C₃ alkenyl, aryl or C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl can be prepared from the corresponding compound of theformula: ##STR10## wherein A and R₃ are each as defined above and R₄ 'is hydrogen, C₁ -C₃ alkyl, C₂ -C₃ alkenyl, aryl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, orC₁ -C₄ alkoxy by reduction. The reduction may be performed by the sameprocedure as mentioned above with respect to the reduction of thecompound [III].

Method (e)

The formula 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound of the formula:##STR11## wherein A and R₃ are each as defined above and R₅ is C₁ -C₄alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl, C₃ -C₄ alkynyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl(C₁ -C₃)alkyl,ar(C₁ -C₃)alkyl or polyhalo(C₂ -C₄)alkyl can be prepared by reacting thecorresponding compound of the formula: ##STR12## wherein A and R₃ areeach as defined above with a compound of the formula:

    R.sub.5 -X                                                 [VIII]

wherein R₅ and X are each as defined above by the same procedure asmentioned above with respect to the reaction of the compound [IV] withthe amine [V].

When the compound [Id] wherein R₃ is hydrogen is used, the9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound of the formula: ##STR13##wherein A and R₅ are each as defined above can be obtained by reactingthe compound [Id] with not less than 2 molar amount of the compound[VIII] in the same procedure.

Method (f)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [Id] can be prepared fromthe corresponding compound [VII] by hydrolysis. The hydrolysis may beaccomplished by a conventional condition under which amide and urethanederivatives are hydrolyzed; for instance, by treatment with an alkali(e.g. potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide) or a mineral acid (e.g.hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid) in an inert solventsuch as water, alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol,n-butanol, ethylene glycol), ethers (e.g. diethyl ether,tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether) or aromatichydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene). The temperature for the treatmentmay be varied from ice-cooling to the refluxing temperature of thereaction system.

Method (g)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [Ib] can be prepared byreacting the corresponding compound [Id] with an aldehyde of theformula:

    R.sub.4 --CHO                                              [IX]

wherein R₄ is defined above by reductive amination. The reductiveamination may be performed by the procedure as mentioned above withrespect to the condensation-reduction of the compound [VI] with theamine [V].

When the compound [Id] wherein R₃ is hydrogen is used, the9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [If] of the formula: ##STR14##wherein A and R₄ are each as defined above can be obtained by reactingthe compound [Id] with not less than 2 molar amount of the compound [IX]in the same procedure.

Method (h)

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound of the formula: ##STR15##wherein A' is as defined above can be prepared from the correspondingcompound of the formula: ##STR16## wherein A' is as defined above and R₇is a nitrile (--C.tbd.N) group or a carbaldehyde oxime (--CH═NOH) groupby reduction. The reduction can be accomplished by the procedure asmentioned above with respect to the reduction of the compound [III], orby the catalytic hydrogenation procedure as mentioned in Method (c).

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [I] of the invention thusproduced may be separated from the reaction mixture and purified byconventional procedures.

The 9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compound [I] may be converted intoits salts by conventional procedures, and reconversion from the salts tothe original free base may be also carried out by conventionalprocedures.

The key intermediate, i.e. 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene[II], can be prepared from9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene of the formula:##STR17## by rearrangement.

The rearrangement of amines and α-amino-alcohol derivatives by treatmentwith nitrous acid has been known as the Demjanov rearrangement andTiffeneu-Demjanov rearrangement [Organic Reactions, Vol. 11, p. 157,John Wiley & Sons, Inc.]. These rearrangement reactions have beenapplied to the ring-enlargement reaction in most of the reportedexamples, and only a few examples of the application of therearrangement reaction to the ring-contraction reaction have beenreported. Practically, the rearrangement of a 9,10-ethanoanthracenederivative to 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene has not yetbeen reported, and it is a new process for the preparation of9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene.

The rearrangement of9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene to9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene can be performed bytreatment with nitrous acid. That is,9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene is treated withnitrous acid or a metal nitrite such as sodium nitrite or potassiumnitrite in an acidic medium such as acetic acid, formic acid,hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid ora mixed solution of such acids. An inert solvent such as water,methanol, ethanol, acetone, benzene, toluene, chloroform,dichloroethane, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethylether, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, dimethylsulfoxide ordimethylformamide or a mixture thereof may be used in the reactionsystem. The temperature for the treatment in this case may be variedfrom ice-cooling to the refluxing temperature of the reduction system.

The 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene [II] thus produced canbe separated from the reaction mixture and purified by conventionalprocedures.

The compound [A] (i.e.9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene) can be preparedfrom a compound of the formula: ##STR18## wherein R is hydrogen or ahydroxyl-protecting group such as acetyl, benzoyl or tetrahydropyranylthrough rearrangement such as the Curtius reaction or Hoffmanrearrangement and hydrolysis. The rearrangement may be performed, forinstance, by the general procedures of the Curtius reaction [OrganicReactions, Vol. 3, p. 337, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.], and the hydrolysismay be effected under the usual hydrolysis conditions for urethane orisocyanate derivatives.

The intermediates for the synthesis of the9-aminoalkyl-methanoanthracene compounds [I] can be prepared from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene [II] by using conventionalreactions such as oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, carbon chainextension reaction (substitution, Wittig reaction, Reformatsky reaction,Grignard reaction), etc.

The starting materials for the synthesis of9-aminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives, forexample, may be prepared as follows: ##STR19## wherein Ts represents ap-toluenesulfonyloxy group; i.e.

(1) 9-Formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is oxidized to9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acid by treatment withan oxidizing agent such as chromium trioxide or silver oxide in an inertsolvent;

(2) 9-Hydroxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is prepared from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by treatment with areducing agent such as sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride inan inert solvent;

(3) 9-Tosyloxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is preparedfrom 9-hydroxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by treatmentwith p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in the presence of a base in an inertsolvent;

(4) 9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acid is led to thecorresponding acid chloride by reacting with thionyl chloride in thepresence or absence of an inert solvent, and the acid chloride isconverted to 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxamide byreacting with ammonia in a conventional procedure;

(5) Dehydration of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxamide to9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carbonitrile is performed by usingphosphorus oxychloride in the presence or absence of an inert solvent.

The starting materials for the synthesis of9-β-aminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives, forexample, may be prepared from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene [II] or its derivatives asfollows: ##STR20## wherein Ts is as defined above; i.e.

(6) [9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]acetic acid ethyl ester isobtained from 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acid bythe usual procedure of the Arndt-Eistert synthesis;

(7) [9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]acetic acid is obtained fromthe corresponding ethyl ester by the usual procedure of hydrolysis;

(8) 9-β-Hydroxyethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is obtained byreduction of [9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]acetic acid ethylester using a reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride or sodiumaluminum diethyl dihydride in an inert solvent;

(9) 9-β-Tosyloxyethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is obtained bythe same manner described above;

(10) [9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]acetaldehyde is obtained from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by using the procedure ofthe Wittig reaction with methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride andacid hydrolysis;

(11) [9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]acetonitrile can be obtainedfrom 9-tosyloxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by reactingwith metal cyanide in an inert solvent.

The starting materials for the synthesis of the 9-γ-aminopropyl and9-δ-aminobutyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene derivatives, forexample, may be prepared from9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene [II] as follows: ##STR21##wherein Ts is as defined above; i.e.

(12) β-[9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]-acrylic acid is preparedfrom 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by the Wittig reactionprocedure with triethyl phosphonoacetate and hydrolysis of the esterfunction;

(13) β-[9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]-propionic acid is preparedfrom the corresponding acrylic acid by a conventional hydrogenationprocedure;

(14) 9-γ-Hydroxypropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is preparedfrom β-[9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]propionic acid by treatmentwith a reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride or sodiumaluminum diethyl dihydride in an inert solvent;

(15) 9-γ-tosyloxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is preparedfrom the corresponding alcohol by the procedure as described above;

(16) 9-γ-Hydroxypropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene is oxidizedto the corresponding aldehyde by treatment with an oxidizing agent suchas CrO₃ -pyridine complex in an inert solvent;

(17) & (18) β-[9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]propionic acid is ledto β-[9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthryl]propionitrile by the procedure asdescribed above;

(19) β-[9,10-Dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]-acrylic aldehyde isprepared from 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by the Wittigreaction procedure with formylmethylene triphenylphosphoran.

The derivatives of γ-[9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl]butyric acidcan be prepared by the same procedure as described above.

The compound [III] may be prepared from the corresponding carboxylicacid derivative by a conventional procedure with the corresponding aminecompound. Another intermediate, i.e. the compound [VII], can be preparedfrom the compound [Ic] by reacting with the compound of the formula:

    R.sub.4 COY or R.sub.4 CO--O--CO--R.sub.4

wherein R₄ is as defined above and Y is a halogen such as chlorine orbromine in the usual condition for the acylation of an amine compound.

The following examples are given for the purpose of illustration only,and are not intended to limit the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

To a solution of 9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene(3.0 g) in acetic acid (240 ml) was added a solution of sodium nitrite(6.7 g) in water (120 ml) at 2°-5° C., and the resulting mixture wasstirred at the same temperature for 1 hour and at 95°-105° C. for 5hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted withbenzene. The benzene layer was washed with water, dried over sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to give crude crystals of9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (2.8 g), which wererecrystallized to give colorless crystals (2.45 g). M.P. 99°-100° C.Further, purification by recrystallization gave analytically pure9-formyl-9,10-dihyfro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P. 102.5° C.

EXAMPLE 2

To a solution of 9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene(50 mg) in conc. hydrochloric acid (2 ml) and water (2 ml) was added asolution of sodium nitrite (112 mg) in water (1.0 ml) at 0° C. Theresulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and at roomtemperature for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water andextracted with benzene. The benzene layer was washed with water, driedover sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give crude crystals of9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (35 mg).

EXAMPLE 3

A solution of 12-acetoxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-9-carboxylicacid (1.0 g) in benzene (10.0 ml) and thionyl chloride (4.0 ml) wasrefluxed for 4 hours. Evaporation of excess thionyl chloride and benzenegave 12-acetoxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acidchloride. The acid chloride was dissolved in dry acetone (25.0 ml), anda solution of sodium azide (0.63 g) in water (1.3 ml) was added theretowhile ice cooling. The resulting mixture was stirred while ice coolingfor 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extractedwith benzene. The benzene extract was washed with water, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, refluxed for 2 hours and evaporated to drynessto give 9-isocyanato-12-acetoxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene.

The isocyanate compound was dissolved in ethanol (12.0 ml) and 20%aqueous sodium hydroxide (12.0 ml), and the resulting solution wasrefluxed for 6 hours. After evaporation of ethanol, the reaction mixturewas diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to give9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene as crystals (0.72g). M.P. 181°-181.5° C. Recrystallization from benzene gave analyticallypure crystals of 9-amino-12-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene.M.P. 183.5° C.

EXAMPLE 4

A mixture of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionic acidmonomethylamide (1.0 g) and lithium aluminum hydride (0.5 g) in dioxanewas stirred at 50° C. for 2 hours. Excess lithium aluminum hydride wasdecomposed by addition of water. The reaction mixture was diluted withethyl acetate, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated todryness to give9-γ-methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 247°-249° C. Recrystallizationfrom isopropyl alcohol gave colorless crystals. M.P. 259°-260° C.

The starting amide was prepared as follows:

A solution of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionic acid andthionyl chloride in benzene was refluxed for 4 hours. Evaporation ofexcess thionyl chloride and benzene gaveβ-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)-propionic acid chloride, whichwas dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran. The solution was added to a 30%aqueous monomethylamine solution at 0°-5° C. The reaction mixture wasstirred at 0°-15° C., diluted with water and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to giveβ-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)-propionic acid monomethylamide.M.P. 200°-201° C.

EXAMPLE 5

A mixture of 9-γ-chloropropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (50mg) and piperidine (0.1 ml) was heated at 100° C. for 3 hours. Thereaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water,dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give9-γ-piperidinopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 280°-283° C.

The starting 9-γ-chloropropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene wasprepared by reacting9-γ-hydroxypropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene with thionylchloride in benzene.

EXAMPLE 6

To a mixture of morpholine (870 mg) and formic acid (460 mg) heated at60° C. was added β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionaldehyde(50 mg). The resultant mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 30 minutes andat 80° C. for 1.5 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water andextracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed withwater, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness togive 9-γ-morpholinopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 173°-176.5° C.

The starting β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionaldehyde(M.P. 135°-140° C.) was prepared from9-γ-hydroxypropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene by treating withchromium trioxide-pyridine complex in dichloromethane for 5 minutes atroom temperature.

EXAMPLE 7

A solution of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionaldehyde(150 mg) and sec.-butylamine (100 mg) in methanol was stirred at -5-0°C. for 30 minutes. To the solution was added sodium borohydride (50 mg),and the resulting mixture was stirred for 2 hours at about 0° C. Thereaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with benzene. Thebenzene extract was shaken with hydrochloric acid. The acid layer wasbasified with aqueous ammonia and extracted with ethyl acetate. Theethyl acetate extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to give9-γ-sec.-butylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 216°-219° C.

EXAMPLE 8

A mixture of 9-γ-acetylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene(70 mg) and lithium aluminum hydride (35 mg) in dioxane (2 ml) wasstirred at 40°-50° C. for 9 hours. Excess lithium aluminum hydride wasdecomposed by addition of water. The reaction mixture was diluted withethyl acetate, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated todryness to give9-γ-ethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 182°-186° C.

EXAMPLE 9

A mixture of 9-γ-methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene(40 mg), propargyl bromide (22 mg) and sodium amide (15 mg) in drybenzene was refluxed for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted withbenzene, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andevaporated to dryness. The oily residue was purified over silica gelchromatography to give9-γ-methylpropargylamino-propyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene.M.P. 130°-131° C.

EXAMPLE 10

A mixture of9-γ-acetylallylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (100 mg)in ethanol and 25% aqueous sodium hydroxide was refluxed for 10 hours.The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water, dried overanhydrous sodium acetate and evaporated to dryness to give9-γ-allylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride. M.P. 227°-228° C.

EXAMPLE 11

A mixture of 9-γ-aminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (125mg), 90% formic acid (300 mg) and 37% aqueous formaldehyde solution(0.25 ml) was heated at 90°-100° C. for 8 hours. 4 N Hydrochloric acidwas added to the cooled reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture wasevaporated to dryness. The residue was diluted with water, basified withaqueous ammonia and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetatelayer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andevaporated to dryness to give9-γ-dimethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wasconverted into its hydrochloride (M.P. 244°-247° C.). Recrystallizationfrom isopropyl alcohol afforded colorless crystals. M.P. 247°-247.5° C.

EXAMPLE 12

A mixture of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionitrile (250mg) and lithium aluminum hydride (100 mg) in dioxane (12 ml) was stirredat 60° C. for 5 hours. Excess lithium aluminum hydride was decomposed byaddition of water. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate,dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give9-γ-aminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which was convertedinto its hydrochloride. M.P. 275° C. (decomp.).

EXAMPLE 13

To a solution of 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (3.5 g) inacetone (17 ml) was dropwise added Jones' reagent (5.0 ml) at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1hour, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to give9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acid. M.P.199.5°-200.5° C.

EXAMPLE 14

A solution of 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (200 mg) andsodium borohydride (60 mg) in methanol (5 ml) was stirred at roomtemperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with waterand extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washedwith water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated todryness to give 9-hydroxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene.M.P. 165°-166° C.

EXAMPLE 15

A solution of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxamide (30 mg)and thionyl chloride (0.15 ml) in toluene (1 ml) was refluxed for 18hours. Evaporation of toluene and excess thionyl chloride gave9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carbonitrile. M.P. 120°-123° C.

EXAMPLE 16

A solution of 9-aminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (235 mg)and acetic anhydride (217 mg) in ethanol (5.0 ml) was refluxed for 3hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted withethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with water, aqueoussodium bicarbonate and water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate andevaporated to dryness to give9-acetylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene. M.P.184°-185.5° C.

EXAMPLE 17

A solution of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-9-carboxylic acid(1.77 g) and thionyl chloride in benzene was refluxed for 4 hours andevaporated to dryness to give the corresponding acid chloride. Asolution of the acid chloride in ether was added dropwise to an etherealdiazomethane solution in the presence of triethylamine (1.43 g) at 0° C.The resultant mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 3 hours, filtered andevaporated to dryness to give the corresponding diazomethyl ketonecompound. A mixture of the diazomethyl ketone, triethyl amine and silverbenzoate in ethanol (60 ml) was refluxed for 13 hours. The reactionmixture was diluted and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetateextract was washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acetic acid ethyl ester. M.P.81°-84° C.

EXAMPLE 18

A mixture of (9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)-acetic acid ethylester (125 mg) and lithium aluminum hydride (80 mg) in ether (6 ml) wasstirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Excess lithium aluminum hydridewas decomposed by addition of water. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith ethyl acetate, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporatedto dryness to give crystals of9-β-hydroxyethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene. M.P. 99°-100.5° C.

EXAMPLE 19

A solution of 9-β-hydroxyethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (72mg) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (100 mg) in pyridine (1 ml) wasstirred overnight. The resulting mixture was diluted with water andextracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed withwater, 2 N hydrochloric acid and water, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to give crude crystals of9-β-tosyloxyethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, which wererecrystallized from ethanol to give pure crystals. M.P. 135.5°-138° C.

EXAMPLE 20

Methoxymethyl triphenyl phosphonium chloride (2 mmole) was treated withsodium hydride (2 mmole) in dimethylsulfoxide (6 ml), and9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene was added thereto at roomtemperature. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1hour and at 50° C. for 3 hours, diluted with water and extracted withbenzene. The benzene extract was washed with water, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give an oily compound. Theoil was treated with 2 N hydrochloric acid (5 ml) in dioxane (15 ml) at50° C. for 2 hours. Usual work-up and purification over silica gelchromatography gave (9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)-acetaldehyde.I.R. spectra: 2740, 1715, 1440, 1375, 1165, 1135, 1065, 935, 760, 715,660 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 21

A solution of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionic acid (0.7g) and thionyl chloride in benzene was refluxed for 2 hours andevaporated to dryness to give the corresponding acid chloride, which wasdissolved in acetone (3.7 ml). A solution of sodium azide (0.52 g) inwater was added to the acetone solution while ice cooling. The resultingmixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water and extracted with benzene. The benzene layer waswashed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to drynessto give the corresponding acid azide. A solution of the acid azide inethanol (7.5 ml) was refluxed for 10 hours and evaporated to dryness togive 9-β-ethoxycarbonylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene.M.P. 122°-123° C.

EXAMPLE 22

A mixture of 9-tosyloxymethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (188mg) and potassium cyanate (40 mg) in dimethylformamide (2 ml) was heatedat 150° C. for 7 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water andextracted with benzene. The benzene extract was washed with water, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give crudecrystals of (9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acetonitrile, which wasrecrystallized from isopropanol to give pure crystals. M.P. 130°-131° C.

EXAMPLE 23

Triethyl phosphonoacetate (2.65 g) in benzene was treated with 50%sodium hydride dispersion in mineral oil (0.66 g), and a solution of9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (2.0 g) in benzene (20.0ml) was added thereto at room temperature under nitrogen. The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours and at 70° C. for 1hour, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and evaporated to dryness to giveβ-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acrylic acid ethyl ester. Asolution of the ethyl ester in methanol (53 ml) and 10% aqueous sodiumhydroxide (12 ml) was refluxed for 4 hours. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water, acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted withethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with water, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to giveβ-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acrylic acid. M.P. 219.5°-222° C.

EXAMPLE 24

A mixture of β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acrylic acid (612mg) and 5% palladium-charcoal (120 mg) in ethanol was stirred under ahydrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 2 hours. The catalyst wasremoved by filtration, and the solution was evaporated to dryness togive β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)propionic acid. M.P.185°-189° C.

EXAMPLE 25

A solution of 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (220 mg) andformyl methylene triphenyl phosphoran (1 mmole) in benzene (6 ml) wasrefluxed for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with water, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The oilyresidue was purified over silica gel chromatography to give the crystalsof β-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)acrylic aldehyde. M.P.135°-138° C.

EXAMPLE 26

To a mixture of 9-formyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene (110 mg)and β-carboxyethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride (186 mg) indimethylsulfoxide (2 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) was added 65.4%sodium hydride dispersion in mineral oil (37 mg) at 0° C. undernitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 6 hours, dilutedwith water, acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with benzene.The benzene extract was shaken with 2 N aqueous sodium hydroxide. Thebasic layer was acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted withethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with water, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to giveγ-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-methano-9-anthryl)-β-butenoic acid. M.P. 166°-167°C.

The following compounds were prepared in similar procedures:

9-Aminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. >300° C.;

9-Methylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 281.5°-283° C.;

9-Dimethylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 257°-259° C.;

9-Ethylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 283°-284° C.;

9-Ethylmethylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 249.5°-251° C.;

9-Isopropylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P.103°-103.5° C.;

9-sec.-Butylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 234°-235.5° C.;

9-Isobutylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 227°-229° C.;

9-Cyclopropylmethylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 240.5°-243.5° C.;

9-Allylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 208°-209° C.;

9-Benzylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P. 94°-97°C.;

9-Piperidinomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P. 114°-115°C.;

9-Morpholinomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P. 160°-163°C.;

9-β-Aminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P. 158°-160° C.;

9-β-Methylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 304°-305° C.;

9-β-Dimethylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 239°-240.5° C.;

9-β-Ethylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 297°-299° C.;

9-β-Diethylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, I.R. spectra:3065, 1468, 1445, 1380, 1280, 1205, 1155, 1010, 765, 745 cm⁻¹ ;

9-β-sec.-Butylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 267°-268° C.;

9-β-Dicyclopropylmethylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 137°-140° C.;

9-β-Allylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 242°-243° C.;

9-β-Benzylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 233°-235° C.;

9-β-Morpholinoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 263°-264° C.;

9-γ-Aminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride, M.P.275° C.;

9-γ-Methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 259°-260° C.;

9-γ-Methylaminopropenyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 244°-246° C.;

9-γ-Dimethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 247°-247.5° C.;

9-γ-Ethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 184°-186° C.;

9-γ-Ethylmethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene oxalate,M.P. 168°-169° C.;

9-γ-Isopropylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 255°-256° C.;

9-γ-Isobutylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 248°-252° C.;

9-γ-sec.Butylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 217°-219° C.;

9-γ-Benzylcyclopropylmethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 207°-211° C.;

9-γ-Allylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 226°-228° C.;

9-γ-Benzylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 197°-201° C.;

9-γ-Methylpropargylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene, M.P.130°-131° C.;

9-γ-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 170°-172.5° C.;

9-γ-Piperidinopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 280°-283° C.;

9-γ-Pyrrolidinopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 244°-248° C.;

9-γ-Morpholinopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene hydrochloride,M.P. 174°-177° C.;

9-δ-Dimethylaminobutyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 201°-202.5° C.;

9-δ-Dimethylamino-α-butenyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracenehydrochloride, M.P. 154.5°-155° C., etc.

The following compounds can be prepared by a similar procedure:

9-Propargylaminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene;

9-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)aminomethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene;

9-β-Propargylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene;

9-β-Piperazinoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene;

9-β-Methyl-γ-methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene;

9-α-Methyl-β-dimethylaminoethyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene,etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula: ##STR22## wherein A isC₁ -C₄ alkylene or C₃ -C₄ alkenylene and R₁ and R₂ are each hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl, C₃ -C₄ alkynyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, ar(C₁ -C₃)alkyl or polyhalo(C₂ -C₄)alkyl or a non-toxicpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according toclaim 1, wherein A is methylene, R₁ is C₁ -C₂ alkyl and R₂ is hydrogenor C₁ -C₂ alkyl.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein A isethylene, R₁ is C₁ -C₂ alkyl and R₂ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₂ alkyl.
 4. Acompound according to claim 1, wherein A is propylene or propenylene. 5.A compound according to claim 4, wherein R₁ is C₁ -C₂ alkyl and R₂ ishydrogen or C₁ -C₂ alkyl.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ais propylene, R₁ is methyl and R₂ is hydrogen or methyl. 7.9-γ-Methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene and or anon-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 8.9-γ-Dimethylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene and or anon-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 9. A pharmaceuticalcomposition which comprises as an active ingredient a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of the compound of claim 1, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable adjuvant.
 10. A method for treating a patient which comprisesadministering to said patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of thecomposition of claim 9.